One minute, you’re hard at work on a job site near Canal Park, in a warehouse on the outskirts of Duluth, or behind a desk downtown. The next minute, everything changes. You slip or get hurt at work, and now you’re facing multiple medical appointments, missed paychecks, and confusing paperwork. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The good news is that a Duluth workers’ compensation lawyer at Arechigo & Stokka can help you get back on solid ground.
Minnesota law provides benefits to employees who get hurt on the job. But navigating the workers’ compensation system can be frustrating, especially when dealing with pain and financial stress. Let us explain what your rights are and how to protect them so you can focus on healing.
What Is Workers’ Compensation in Minnesota?
Minnesota workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance system that provides medical treatment, wage replacement, and other benefits to employees who get injured or sick because of their work. You don’t have to prove your employer did anything wrong, and they can’t deny your claim just because the injury may have partly been your fault.
The goal of workers’ compensation is to help your recovery and get you compensated for related expenses without dragging you through a legal battle. But the system doesn’t always work as well as it should. Having an Arechigo & Stokka Duluth workers’ compensation lawyer can make a difference in your case.
Common Workplace Injuries in Duluth
In Duluth, many residents work in manufacturing, shipping, healthcare, and construction. These are industries that come with physical demands and some safety risks. Common workplace injuries in the area include:
- Back and neck injuries from lifting or repetitive motion;
- Slips and falls on icy walkways, loading docks, or uneven flooring;
- Crush injuries or amputations from industrial equipment;
- Occupational diseases like hearing loss or respiratory issues; and
- Psychological trauma from workplace violence or serious accidents.
Whether you were hurt at a port facility, in a local hospital, or on a construction crew, you may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.
What Benefits Can You Receive?
Minnesota law provides several types of workers’ compensation benefits to help you recover:
- Medical treatment. Typically, benefits cover the cost of doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and other necessary care.
- Lost wages. Workers’ comp pays part of your regular income if you can’t work or can only work part-time.
- Vocational rehabilitation. Helps you get training or support if you need to transition to a new job.
- Permanent disability benefits. Offers compensation for lasting impairments that affect your ability to earn income.
Every injury is different, and so is every claim. A workers’ compensation attorney like Joshua Stokka can help calculate what you’re owed.
How the Claims Process Works
Filing a workers’ compensation claim in Minnesota starts with reporting your injury to your employer immediately and seeking medical attention. You generally have 14 days to notify your employer to protect your right to benefits.
After that, the employer must file a First Report of Injury with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. If approved, benefits begin. If denied, you may need to file an appeal or request a hearing.
Each step requires careful timing, detailed forms, and strong medical records. Even small errors can lead to delays, denials, or reduced benefits. An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer at our firm can make sure your forms are accurate, your rights are protected, and your case moves forward as quickly as possible.
Do I Need a Lawyer for Workers’ Compensation?
Many workers wonder, Do I need a lawyer for workers’ compensation, or can I handle it on my own?
While you’re not legally required to hire a lawyer, trying to manage your case alone can lead to delays, denied claims, or reduced benefits. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers protecting their bottom line. You deserve someone protecting yours.
Here’s when you should definitely speak with an attorney:
- Your claim gets denied or delayed,
- The insurance company says your injury isn’t work-related,
- You have a pre-existing condition,
- Your doctor says you can’t return to your job,
- You’re offered a settlement that seems low or unclear, or
- You’re overwhelmed by the paperwork and legal rules.
Having a lawyer helps level the playing field, making sure you get the benefits you need and deserve.
Questions to Ask Your Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Before you hire an attorney, it’s smart to ask the right questions. These will help you understand how they work and what to expect. Here are a few questions to ask your workers’ compensation lawyer:
- How long have you been handling workers’ comp cases?
- What kind of injuries have you helped clients with before?
- How will you communicate with me during my case?
- What is your approach to denied claims?
- What are the potential outcomes of my case?
The answers to these questions can help you assess their experience and determine if they’re the right fit to handle your unique case.
How We Can Help You
At Arechigo & Stokka, we know that getting hurt on the job can flip your world upside down. That’s why we focus on helping Minnesota workers get the benefits they need to recover and move forward. Joshua Stokka dedicates his practice to representing injured workers and has built a reputation for securing strong results across the state. We’ve handled everything from denied claims to six-figure settlements for clients who thought they had no options left.
When you work with us, you won’t get lost in a pile of case files; you’ll get personalized attention, honest advice, and a team that fights for your future.
Call an Arechigo & Stokka Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today
You work hard and when you get hurt on the job, you deserve real support. Don’t let insurance companies delay, deny, or underpay your claim. Arechigo & Stokka’s experienced Duluth workers’ compensation lawyer can guide you through the process and fight to get every benefit you’re entitled to under Minnesota law.
Call today at (651) 222-6603 or send us a message to get started. Your recovery should come first. Let us handle the rest.